French Open semifinals: Sinner vs. Djokovic, Alcaraz vs. Musetti odds, head-to-head, and picks

The Grandstand staff weighs in on the French Open semifinals, with Jannik Sinner taking on Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz battling Lorenzo Musetti.

(1) Jannik Sinner vs. (6) Novak Djokovic

Match Overview

• Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (world No. 6) vs. Italy’s Jannik Sinner (world No. 1)
• Date: 06-06-2025
• Surface: Clay
• Grand Slam: Champion gets 2000 points

Why This Match Matters
Everything about this match matters. Jannik Sinner is not just the world No. 1, but the title favorite. The Italian is the most ruthlessly efficient baseliner in the game, a brilliant ball striker who hasn’t dropped a set all tournament. He’ll be taking on Novak Djokovic, who holds a record 24 major titles. A win for Sinner would set him up for his third consecutive slam title, while Djokovic is looking for No. 25 overall. This match is all upside with a spot in the final on the line.

Key Stats

• Djokovic and Sinner have split their previous eight meetings with four wins each
• As the Australian Open champion, Sinner is the only player who could win the calendar-year Grand Slam
• Sinner has won his last three matches against Djokovic
• Djokovic dropped a set to Alexander Zverev in the quarters, but has otherwise been dominant in Paris

Odds and Prediction
Betting odds: Novak Djokovic (+330), Jannik Sinner (-450)

Cheryl pick: Sinner in 4

Ricky pick: Sinner in 4

(2) Carlos Alcaraz vs. Lorenzo Musetti

Match Overview

• Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz (world No. 2) and Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti

Why This Match Matters
Carlos Alcaraz is the defending champion at both the French Open and Wimbledon. The Spaniard has lived up to his ranking as the second-best player in the world behind Sinner. Lorenzo Musetti courted controversy in his quarterfinal match against Frances Tiafoe when an errantly kicked tennis ball struck a lineswoman. He was issued a violation but wasn’t defaulted. The chatter surrounding this event has the potential to be a distraction on Friday. Also look for Alcaraz to go after Musetti’s one-handed backhand.

Key Stats

• Alcaraz holds a 5-1 record over Musetti on the main tour, with Musetti’s only win coming in their first encounter in 2022
• Alcaraz has dropped a set in three of five rounds so far (straight sets vs. Guilio Zeppieri in R1 and Tommy Paul in QF)
• Musetti’s previous best result in Paris was the fourth round in 2023
• Alcaraz has won two clay-court Masters titles in 2025 (Monte-Carlo and Rome)

Odds and Prediction
Betting odds: Lorenzo Musetti (+475), Carlos Alcaraz (-650)

Cheryl pick: Alcaraz in 4

Ricky pick: Alcaraz in 4